Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Find the Right One Near Sterling Heights Michigan
Picking the right dental hygienist school near Sterling Heights MI is an important first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to assess and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Picking the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. There are other crucial factors to consider as well, including the school's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the lengthier training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these factors and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Sterling Heights MI practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Sterling Heights MI dental practices are often required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in almost every state. They are offered in trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a great alternative for getting your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Sterling Heights MI home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the ideal choice for you.
Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Sterling Heights MI, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Sterling Heights MI employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Sterling Heights MI dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal means to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Sterling Heights MI dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need help obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Sterling Heights MI dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are reviewing how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Sterling Heights MI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Sterling Heights MI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Sterling Heights MI at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Sterling Heights
Pick the Best Sterling Heights Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options offered to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Sterling Heights Michigan.
Sterling Heights How To Become A Dental Hygienist | Sterling Heights Dental Hygienist Courses